Poll: alternator life span

[Maxodus]

thanks for the votes yeah it looks like mine died relatively early - not sure what could have caused it. I have all stock electronics too, not like i'm pumping a huge AMP at the back.

The Autozone alternator tester showed failure on all parts (VR, rectifier and the diode thing).

I'm an electronic dummy but what should i check for when i suspect something in the car is causing the alternator to work harder than usual?